9AM SUNDAY 16th JUNE 2019

29.4 MILES / 3,566 FEET ASCENT / 3,566 DESCENT

OGMORE VALE LIFE CENTRE

OGMORE VALE, BRIDGEND, CF32 7AJ

RACE INFO EMAIL with a link to this page - will be sent out on Friday 14th June to all entrants, but all the race info is below.

WELCOME TO THE ALPE D'BWLCH SPORTIVE

Due north of Bridgend, sitting high above the Rhondda Valley stands the Bwlch, and just like the infamous Mont Ventoux there are three distinctly different routes to its summit.

The word ‘bwlch’ (approximately pronounced ‘b-oo-lch’) is Welsh for ‘gap’, or pass, and you’ll see this appendage on many notorious roads such as the Bwlch-y-Groes, but this hill, this is simply named 'the Bwlch'.

The three bases of the Bwlch lie in Ogmore Vale to the South, Pontrhydyfen to the West and Treorchy to the North. 

Like Ventoux, each side of the Bwlch has its own characteristics, from the sheltered, tree-lined slopes of the South to the long steady gradients of the Western flank, and the shorter route from the North.

As you rise you catch sight of the road high above making its way up the mountainside, a daunting view for tired legs but an exhilarating one for fresh ones - which will yours be! 

FEATURES

• Distance - 29.4 Miles / 47.5 Km
• Climb - 3,566 feet / 1100 metres
• Start times - small waves from 09:00
• Entry cost - £20
• Race limit - for 2019 the race limit is 100
• Feed stations x 3 - at top of 3-way climb
• Electronic chip timing
• Free download of event certificate (gold, silver, bronze)
• Fully signed route
• Mobile mechanical backup
• Event permit and insurance (British Cycling - license No. 448491)
• Medal on completion
• A challenging, scenic ride up and down the three sides of an iconic mountain

COURSE MAP / ELEVATION PROFILE

Ridewithgps.com - here

ROUTE DOWNLOADS (.fit / .gpx / .tcx) 

Click here

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

The splendid hairpin bends that punctuate each ascent give you that mountain-climbing feeling as you sweep round them, rising rapidly above the road below. On the southern side, the first of these fantastic corners lies trapped in a gully in the shadow of the tall peaks around it and the road rises on a stiff gradient to reveal fantastic views down the valley. 

Rounding the next left-hand turn, you arrive at the junction of the three climbs. Turn left, pass through the small canyon of rocks with its ‘Welcome to the Valleys’ sign and continue over exposed ground to continue climbing.

Heading into the wind now push for the first summit, then begin to hurtle down the other side. With a ride that is basically composed of three ups and three downs you use the descents to stretch the legs a little, to refresh yourself, have a bite to eat, so that when you reach the base you can turn round and hit the climbing hard right away.

Once you reach Cymmer you’ll have been heading downhill for just over 6km, which means you’ve got to turn round and climb back up the very same 6km. It’s just you, the road and the rolling hills!

Climbing ever higher, the road hugs the side of the mountain, rolling round its contours up to the next giant hairpin bend. Rounding this, you climb a little steeper and looking left, the most wonderful view down the valley is revealed. Next, bending right, you soon arrive at the summit for the second time — two down, one to go.

Back at the junction continue by turning left and plummeting down yet more hairpins towards Treorchy. There are few better places in Britain to hone your climbing style and descending techniques than through these multiple tight corners.

In order to maximise elevation the route descends into the heart of Cwm Parc before turning round to climb back to the 3-way junction on the top of the Bwlch. It may not be quite as tough as the southern flank but the scenery is just as majestic.

As you rise you catch sight of the road high above making its way up the mountainside, a daunting view for tired legs but an exhilarating one for fresh ones - which will yours be! 

RIDER EVENT DAY INFORMATION

VENUE ADDRESS
OGMORE VALE LIFE CENTRE
OGMORE VALE, BRIDGEND, CF32 7AJ

EVENT TIMES

Parking opens: 7:45AM

Event HQ / registration opens: 8:00AM

Ride starts: 9:00AM

Rider groups of 20 will be started every 2 minutes after a start line briefing

REGISTRATION - EVENT PACK PICK-UP

The car parks will open at 7:45AM to allow riders to park and prepare. Plese do not arrive before this time.

Registration will open at 8AM and close at 08:50AM. On arrival report to registration with your helmet, ID and registration confirmation email so you can collect your registration pack and bike number/timing chip.

NO HELMET = NO RIDE

Remember to bring your helmet. It is mandatory that all riders wear a safety approved cycling helmet complying with latest US Snell B90/B95 or European standard CE standards. Any rider not wearing a helmet will be disqualified from the event. Our course marshals will be checking this during the event.

GETTING READY

Once you have registered you can get yourself and your bike ready to ride. Remember to bring everything you will need for your ride such as drinks, energy bars, mechanical spares, mobile phone and route map. Below are some pointers on what you should bring with you.

ITEMS TO BRING

You should carry basic tools, inner tubes and a pump/CO2 inflator to fix punctures or mechanical problems you may experience. A basic first aid kit is also  good idea and you should bring a mobile phone so you can contact us if you need to. It is advisable to bring lights and high visibility clothing on the day in case fog or rain is forecast or if light visibility becomes reduced.

Importantly don’t forget your helmet! No helmet = No Ride. 

FOOD & DRINK

Make sure you have enough food and drink for the ride. Water and snacks are available at the feed stations on the route, but you should carry enough food to last you the ride. 

BIKE NUMBERS / TIMING CHIP

At registration, you will be given a bike number plate, this has the timing chip attached to the rear of it. Please make sure you attach your bike number to the front of your bike. There are pre-made holes to guide you, and three tie-wraps to attach the number to your bike. Do not wrap it around your bars. Try to keep the timing chip vertical and not twisted.

Front of bike number plate		Rear of bike number plate

EMERGENCIES

Medical Emergencies: 07815 118647

Mechanical Assistance: 07885 575059

You will find contact numbers on your bike number plate and above. Please add these numbers to your mobile phone before you ride. These numbers are for use in emergencies only. Please do not call these numbers for non-emergency situations.

In the event of mechanical issues, please be mindful of other road users. For your safety, and theirs, try to move to the side of the road and come to a safe stop. If possible, move yourself and your bike away from the road. If you are unable to fix the mechanical fault yourself, use the number and wait for assistance. Place your bike upside down so it is sitting on its saddle and handlebars so our mechanic can spot you more easily.

In the event of a medical emergency, call us on the number above immediately. If the situation is deserving, please call 999 first and ask for an ambulance, but always call us straight after so we can get to you and assist the emergency services.

It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with how to share your location from your phone. That way, in the event of mechanical failure or a medical emergency, you can send us your location and we will find you much quicker. Here are instructions on how to share your location using Google Maps and Maps for iPhone.

ROUTE AND START TIMES

When you are ready, join the group of riders waiting to start. The start marshals will start riders in groups at 2 minute intervals. Listen to any instructions and route information the start marshals gives. Once you are instructed to, you can start the ride.

FEED STATION

The same feed station is used three times. It is located at the 'T' junction/summit of Alpe d'Bwlch.

After 1st climb: 4.2 Miles

After 2nd climb: 17.7 Miles

After 3rd climb: 25.2 Miles

THE MEDAL

 

TIMES AND AWARDS

Although all our rides are non competitive events (i.e. not races), most people still like to know how well they've done. With this in mind we will time each participants ride. When you complete your ride your time will be calculated and these timings, along with the timing award you achieved, will be displayed on our event timing page. Each rider will receive an award of either; bronze, silver or gold, depending on their average speed, and also as a free downloadable event certificate. Of course, some riders aren't bothered about all these awards and just cycle for the experience and stunning scenery.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By entering this event you agree to the SportzMad terms and conditions. Terms and Conditions can be read here.

CLICK ON THE REGISTER BUTTON BELOW TO ENTER THIS EVENT